Outplacement Checklist: Maximize Job Search Results

CPAs who find themselves without jobs in today’s economy should use this outplacement checklist, which provides reminders and references to help job seekers protect themselves from undue hardship, when preparing a job search plan.

OUTPLACEMENT CHECKLIST

Following are recommended action items one should take to maximize job search results in a timely fashion.  First and foremost, ensure that your resume is posted to the AICPA’s CPA Job Finder as soon as possible.

	STEP	PROGRESS
1	Sign up for COBRA benefits, which include continuation group health care coverage for plan participants and certain family members, if desired, within 60 day window (applies to organizations with 20 or more employees). Learn more about the new Federal COBRA subsidy at the 360financialliteracy.org site
2	Get your finances in order and conserve – learn more at 360financialliteracy.org
3	Decide where to take your career next and consider: Differences between working at a large public accounting firm vs. a small public accounting firm vs. business and industry or government Enrolling in an accounting PhD program – learn more about the ADS program Investigating career counseling and/or skills training programs offered at AICPA, CPA societies, local organizations or state and city government agencies (try http://www.doleta.gov/layoff/workers.cfm first) Researching financial assistance options for re-training and education – start at: http://www.careeronestop.org/ReEmployment/
4	Develop a personalized job search strategy based on the results of step 3 Plan search activity every day – searching is your occupation now Create and track weekly activity goals Keep good notes of everything you do
5	Build an effective resume Pay attention to details, grammar and consistency throughout Be honest Eliminate information that does not support your goal Summarize early employment responsibilities if you need space Use action and self-descriptive words Plan on crafting several drafts Remain tasteful and avoid fancy folders and envelopes Do NOT include references or salary or personal (e.g. marital status, children) information
6	Cover letters Make certain it reflects you as accurately as possible Personalize it to the specific position and/or company Be specific and concise
7	References Develop list of names and gain permission from each Gather all relevant contact information for future use on applications Give a copy of your resume to each reference Discuss your goals and desires with references Check-in as milestones are reached, such as job placement
8	Networking – many positions are unpublished and often who you know will open doors Reach out to co-workers, firm alumni, friends, relatives, business associates, bankers, lawyers, doctors, dentists, trade associations, club members, professors, fellow volunteers, small business owners Schedule informal coffee meetings, lunches or informational interviews Deliver a copy of your resume at each meeting Discuss your goals and career interests Get something from every discussion, such as advice, a new contact, the name of a hiring organization Follow-up periodically and professionally Develop a network on professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn
9	Search techniques Visit the AICPA’s CPA Job Finder to review profession-specific jobs Post your resume on a handful of respectful job search sites (see below) Research job openings listed with your state society Explore newspaper and on-line want ads with a  variety of search criteria Contact your University’s career office Consider the recruiters/search firms with whom you have a good relationship Be honest about your goals and requirements Follow your gut and trust your instincts Only go after the right jobs Insist that you must give approval before your resume is sent to any company
10	Interviewing Check out helpful articles at http://economy.aicpa.org/ like Overcoming the ‘Overqualified’ Label Practice: Points you want to be sure to cover in the interview Anticipated, basic, behavioral and other interview questions Questions you’d like the interviewer to address Being able to explain anything on your resume Giving thorough answers that are to the point Being positive, smiling and being physically comfortable Dress the part – professional, classy and current Review the job description Gather all materials you may need (e.g. resume, company research) Arrive a few minutes early Send a thank you note
11	Evaluating positions and offers Ask questions Consider if the responsibilities, resources, performance measures and company culture meet your goals and mesh with your personality Be professional and open when deciding between offers Decline an offer in a diplomatic and positive way (verbally and written)
12	Stay positive and manage your stress: Surround yourself with family and friends Share your feelings, challenges and triumphs with those who are close to you Treat yourself to small rewards at the end of each week or interview (e.g. a specialty coffee, movie,  or extraordinary snack) Exercise daily or find an activity that helps to clear your mind
13	Register for unemployment benefits at http://www.unemployment-benefits.org/ as soon as you are eligible.
14	Helpful links for resources – use these web sites to research interview questions, ideal resume and letter formats, job ads, career mapping, salary comparisons, search tips and more… AICPA’s CPA Job Finder http://niche.workopolis.com/aicpa/home.html http://economy.aicpa.org/ www.roberthalffinance.com www.Monster.com www.Job.com www.Vault.com www.CareerBuilder.com www.simplyhired.com http://www.filife.com/guides/layoff-help-center www.HotJobs.Yahoo.com http://www.layoffsurvivalguide.com/index.html